James Francis Grant

James Francis Grant, 91, of San Rafael and Little River passed away peacefully on July 18, 2019, at his home. He was born in San Francisco, California, on August 7, 1927, and grew up in Vallejo with his three sisters. At the age of 18, he enlisted in the Army and served in Korea after the end of World War II. Upon returning home, he enrolled at San Jose State College where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice. While at San Jose State, he joined the ROTC program and ran on the Spartan track team under the legendary track and field coach Bud Winter. He then served in the National Guard as a lieutenant providing instruction for the military police at Fort Baker in Sausalito.

Jim married Jan Angela Price on September 8, 1956, in Jan’s hometown of Omak, Washington. Jim and Jan lived in San Rafael and had the first of six children in July of 1957. He worked for New York Life Insurance Company for twenty four years as a life insurance agent. Upon retiring from the insurance business, he worked as an executive recruiter for a few years. At the age of 59, Jim became a correctional officer and worked for the remainder of his career at San Quentin State Prison. He retired from the California Department of Corrections after 20 years, just short of his 80th birthday.

Jim loved to go camping with the family, help out with the Boy Scouts (he had five boys after all), and spend time with his family in Mendocino. He also loved to go swimming, often times doing laps in the Bay and racing in the Alcatraz and Golden Gate swims. Jim also loved long distance running, competing in the Dipsea Race numerous times, including one time with all five sons (with his youngest, Bruce, coming in first among all six). He also ran the Bay to Breakers race numerous times with some of his sons in the days before the race became a costume parade. Even into his late 70’s, Jim was an active athlete, participating in the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon and the New Year’s Day Alcatraz swims numerous times while a member of the Dolphin Club in San Francisco.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Grace Grant, and sisters Jeanne Rossi, Virginia Lee Peck, and Carol Grant. He is survived by his wife Jan, children Stephen (Suzette), Brian (Julie), Jeffrey (Susan), Audrey Meyer (Bill Meyer), Paul (Julie), and Bruce (Mie), twelve grandchildren (thirteenth grandchild expected in November), and one great grandchild.

Jim, Dad, and Papa was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. His sense of humor, endless storytelling, love of nature and his family, as well as his positive attitude will be greatly missed.

Memorial services will be held at noon on August 10th at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Mendocino, California.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory can be made to either Hospice by the Bay, 17 Sir Francis Drake Blvd Larkspur, CA 94939 or Dolphin Club San Francisco, 502 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA 94109.

The family would also like to thank Hospice by the Bay and his caregiver Luisa for their kind and caring support.